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Three Fire containment lines hold, highway 188 open

Monday, June 27, 2005

The established lines on the north flank of the Three Fire Complex held yesterday in spite of strong winds and high temperatures.

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Firefighters will continue to build control line and mop-up along that flank today to ensure the safety of communities to the north. Helicopters were used extensively to extinguish interior flare-ups and will continue today.

Due to successful operations, there are no more road closures expected on Highway 188. Cholla Campground, serving as the fire base camp, remains closed to the public. However, barring any unforeseen events, crews working on the Three Fire Complex will begin to demobilize tomorrow. This would re-open Cholla Campground in time for the upcoming 4th of July holiday weekend. All other recreation facilities on Roosevelt Lake and Apache Lake Recreation Areas have remained open during the fire and will continue to be open to the public.

One firefighter was airlifted off the Three Fire yesterday after being bitten by a snake. He was treated at an area hospital.

For more information on the Three Fire and other fires burning on the Tonto National Forest, check the Forest Service website at www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto.

Three Fire Statistics:

Acres: 19,370 acres

Start date: Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Cause: Lightning

Location: 6.5 miles northwest of Roosevelt Dam

Containment: 20 percent

Fuels: Grass, desert scrub, chaparral, ponderosa pine

Terrain: Steep, mountainous slopes

Cost: $1,000,000

Threats: Bald eagle nesting area and spotted owl habitat, Salt River Project solar repeater sites, the Amethyst mine

Resources: 8 crews, 25 engines, 9 water tender, 402 total personnel

Available air support: 5 helicopters